Tax help for seniors set for Saturday

Posted

The VITA tax volunteers will be back in Pagosa Springs this Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Pagosa Springs Senior Center for free income tax preparation for seniors.

This is generally for taxpayers with incomes up to about $54,000.

Please call the Senior Center for an appointment, 264-2167.

Health and wellness

The Senior Center has a pilot program expanding health and wellness services to Archuleta County seniors. The program includes wellness and blood pressure monitoring, or allows individual area seniors to discuss two subjects of their choice.

The next health and wellness date is March 21.

There is no charge for Medicare enrollees. Participant IDs will include Medicare card, photo ID and, if necessary, any supplemental insurances. No Medicaid is accepted at this time. Participants are encouraged to bring a list of their current medications.

Clinical assessment will be provided by Tabitha Zappone, FNP-C.

The goal of the outreach clinic is to provide care to those who are not able to travel.

Medical alert system

Medical Alert monitoring systems are available for seniors. The Senior Center can help you get set up with a system and assist with the monthly service charges, or, if you already have a system in place, we can help supplement the monthly service fees.

San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging: Structural changes in aging

By Kay Kaylor

As the long-term care ombudsman for Archuleta County, I advocate for residents at Pine Ridge and BeeHive Homes. Federal and state laws protect residents to promote quality of care and quality of life. Continuing the aging process begun last week, some of the structural changes that occur affect the care that residents require.

The loss of muscle mass and tone, as seen in thinner arms and legs and sagging skin, can be helped somewhat by exercise. This is one of the many benefits of maintaining regular exercise in care homes, even for those confined to wheelchairs. Elders may become shorter as they age due to the flattening of the discs, or “cushions,” between the vertebrae in the spine. The loss of flexibility and ability to absorb shock make fall injuries more serious and painful.

The skin wrinkles because it does not stretch and conform to its original shape as it did in younger years. The loss of natural oils may lead to dryness and scratchiness, so moisturizing the skin of residents will make them more comfortable. Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon and olive oil, may help.

Thinner skin may lead to more bruising and cuts. Residents may become more sensitive to temperature changes, which is helped by controls in their rooms. Aging spots are simple changes in pigmentation, but spots should be observed for sudden changes in appearance. These should be reported to doctors.

For further information, you may call me at 403-2164 or send an email to ombudsman2@sjbaaa.org.

Memberships

Senior Discount Club memberships are offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Menu

Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch. If you are a senior (60 years and older), for only a $4 suggested donation, you are eligible for a hot meal, drink and a salad prepared by our kitchen staff.

The guest fee for those 59 and under is $10 and children 10 years and under can eat for $5 each. Access to the salad bar is only $6 for those under 60.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 22 — Tahitian chicken, brown rice pilaf, broccoli with red peppers, snap pea medley, salad bar and nut cup with cranberries.

Friday, Feb. 23 — Barbecue pulled pork on whole-wheat hamburger bun, coleslaw, baked beans and salad bar.

Monday, Feb. 26 — Grilled chicken with pistachio pesto linguine, spinach and tomatoes, steamed zucchini, salad bar and lemon dessert.

Tuesday, Feb. 27 — Beef pot roast, gravy, whole-wheat roll and salad bar.

Wednesday, Feb. 28 — Moroccan fish with wild rice pilaf, baked sweet potatoes, spinach and salad bar.

Reservations and cancellations are required. You can make a reservation at 264-2167 by 9 a.m. the morning of the day you would like to dine in the Community Cafe at the Senior Center.

For your convenience, you can make your reservations in advance or have a standing reservation on days you know you will always attend. Please cancel if you cannot attend on your standing reservation days.